The warehousing and distribution sector remains one of South Africa’s most in-demand industries, but attracting and retaining skilled staff continues to challenge employers. Tayla Campbell, recruitment consultant at Switch Recruit, says that while recruitment activity is on the rise, staff turnover remains a significant concern. “To retain talent, businesses need to create positive workplace cultures and maintain open communication channels. With South Africa facing a skills shortage, many employers have extended their interview processes to include additional tests and assessments, aiming to secure the right cultural and technical fit. However, prolonged hiring processes can frustrate candidates, increasing the risk of them accepting faster offers elsewhere.” Employers are increasingly seeking professionals with strong experience in Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Transport Management Systems (TMS). According to Campbell, expertise in SAP-based systems remains one of the most in-demand skill sets in the sector. Warehouse managers continue to play a critical role, with companies showing a preference for candidates who combine corporate and SMME experience – valuing the innovation and adaptability gained in smaller environments alongside the structured processes typically acquired in larger organisations. Health and safety training also remains a key requirement. “The role of warehouse managers is evolving and becoming increasingly systems- focused, with greater emphasis on automation, reporting and technology integration rather than purely floor-level oversight. “Recruitment is shifting toward candidates who can manage advanced tools such as AI, IoT sensors and real-time data analytics, reflecting the growing demand for digital and data-driven leadership in modern warehouses,” says Campbell. Asked about the outlook, she says that the increasing focus on AI and automation in the warehousing and logistics sectors is driving demand for staff with advanced technological skills and specialised training in specific systems and AI functions. “The e-commerce boom in South Africa is accelerating the adoption of upgraded warehouse processes and technology, including fine-picking, barcoding, scanning and faster turnaround operations. At the same time, cold storage warehousing is expanding, driven by growing exports of perishables and stricter food safety regulations. Regions such as KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and North West are emerging as key hubs for new warehousing opportunities.” LV
